2017 Birmingham Sanctuary City resolution

The 2017 Birmingham Sanctuary City resolution was a Birmingham City Council resolution, adopted by unanimous vote, on January 31, 2017 pledging that Birmingham "strives to be a community free of hostilities and aggressions and uphold the commitment to be a community free of prejudice, bigotry and hate."

The resolution was submitted by Council president Johnathan Austin shortly after President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending entry into the United States for refugees and visa holders from seven majority-Muslim countries. Austin affixed a sign reading "Birmingham stands with immigrants" in front of his seat at the dais during the meeting.

During the meeting twenty-five residents spoke in favor of the resolution. Valerie Abbott moved to enter an executive session to discuss possible legal ramifications of stating the city's intent not to comply with the 2011 Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act which gave local officials responsibilities to determine and report the immigration status of people receiving government services or suspected of committing crimes. Council attorney Freddy Rubio assured members that the resolution's policies were in compliance with the law.

Abbott's motion was defeated by a voice vote, and Austin was joined by all five other members present (Abbott, Steven Hoyt, Marcus Lundy, Kim Rafferty and James Roberson) in voting for its adoption. The text of the resolution alludes to support from Mayor William Bell.

References

• Chambers, Jesse (January 31, 2017) "Council votes to make Birmingham a sanctuary city" Iron City Ink